Why Study Abroad

Receive USF or transfer academic credit toward graduation! Fulfill major, minor, core, language, or elective requirements overseas! USF has partnerships with over 100 universities worldwide. Receive USF aid & USF credit with a "partnered" program, or receive transfer credit through a third-party study abroad organization. The Center for Global Education (CGE) can assist you in finding the right program that suits your academic, personal, and professional need.

Language AcquisitionThere is no better or more effective way to learn a language than to be immersed in a country that speaks that language. Learn Japanese in Japan, Arabic in Morocco, German in Germany! Additionally, many companies worldwide favor candidates fluent in a second language.

First-Hand Work ExperienceStudy abroad provides an opportunity to discover new strengths and skills, surmount new challenges, and solve new problems. You will encounter unfamiliar situations and learn to adapt and respond in effective and efficient ways.

Resume BuildingEnhance your resume & jump-start your career. You’ll become an impressive asset in today’s global marketplace. International experience is ranked high among many employers as a critical asset for prospective employees. Study abroad shows that you are resourceful, adventurous, internationally minded, and diverse.

Independent TravelStudy abroad provides the opportunity to travel. Weekends and academic breaks allow you to venture out and explore your surroundings - both your immediate and more distant surroundings. Since studying abroad often puts you on a completely different continent, you are much closer to places you might otherwise not have had the opportunity to visit. Some more structured study abroad programs even have field trips planned in or around the curriculum.

Experience of a LifetimeAnyone who has studied abroad will tell you that it was an experience of a lifetime and that you’ll have to find out for yourself to understand what that means. Lifelong friendships are created from around the globe and experiences are never forgotten!

Gain a New PerspectiveStudying abroad helps you see the world from a completely different viewpoint. The simplest things take on a new meaning. Experience a new culture, a new way of life. Whether you go to Nicaragua or New Zealand, you’ll learn to recognize and appreciate how language and culture determine values and behaviors.

Personal DevelopmentDevelop new skills, a greater self-confidence, independence, and self-reliance. Learn to adapt to different situations and effectively manage time. Become a more open minded and educated individual.

You Hail, We Mail for FreeNo postal hassles! Forget waiting in long lines, purchasing envelopes and postage. Simply hand in your completed application materials and we will mail them off for you for free. Additionally, we will happily research, fax, scan, and copy any study abroad related materials for you.

Connect, Share, GrowThere are so many opportunities to expand upon your study abroad experience and connect with the San Francisco and international community. Attend a global potluck with the International Student Association or World Affairs Council, find a language conversation partner with USF's Conversation Partner Program or Langauge MeetUp San Francisco, volunteer overseas during Spring Break with University Ministry or a third party organization. Simply ask us to connect you!